Johnson, Hawks top Celtics

NBA roundup

BOSTON - Joe Johnson scored 24 points, Jamal Crawford had 18 and the Atlanta Hawks pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 97-86 win over the Boston Celtics on Friday night.

Josh Smith scored 14 and Al Horford had 12 points and 13 rebounds as the Hawks (7-2) continued their strong start this season, sending Boston to its second straight Friday night home loss.

► Trail Blazers 86, Hornets 78: At New Orleans, LaMarcus Aldridge had 20 points and 13 rebounds, helping Portland to a victory over a New Orleans team that lost Chris Paul to a sprained ankle while trying to adjust to new head coach Jeff Bower.